Poppy Appeal cash stolen in cruel raid

Nov 26 2009 The Journal

THIEVES have raided Poppy Appeal tins destined to bring a smile to the face of elderly war veterans in Northumberland this Christmas.

The Ashington branch of the Royal British Legion was struck by thieves who helped themselves to all the cash on the premises, including money from Poppy Appeal collections and a charity box that was to be used to buy vouchers to give to the elderly members of the club at Christmas.

They also vandalised the bar, which is a meeting place for scores of ex-servicemen in the town.

When club stewardess Carol Thompson, 56, arrived at the club on Monday morning, she discovered the sickening crime.

She said: “The idea they have taken money other people have donated to help people at Christmas is just disgusting.

“There is just no respect. They are robbing from soldiers and veterans, people who have given so much and asked for nothing in return.”

Staff and members of the club spend all year collecting money to help their elderly comrades get through the festive season. The sealed box is replaced every new year.

And Carol had been due to open it in the coming weeks to find out how much was inside.